Carotenoids are a family of about 600 different plant pigments that function as antioxidants and are found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Carotenoids consist of smaller families of pigments called carotenes and xanthophylls. The carotenes include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene. Xanthophylls include lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. Most carotenoids are yellow, orange and red.

Because carotenoids are lipid-soluble, your body will absorb more if you enjoy foods containing carotenoids with some healthy fat.

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